What do you call the process of looking a the brighter side of things – when you see the glass as half-full instead of the other way around? Positive thinking? Sure, we can call it that.

But what if it’s something you clearly had not wanted, but just convinced yourself eventually that it was all for the best? Here are the two top examples which illustrate such a scenario:

1. Any person (most of the time, it’s the woman) who has settled for less than what they had really wanted in a partner.
2. Any parent who thinks their child is perfect – bonus points if the child has an actual mental or physical handicap.

It’s those people which these two words are perfect for: Synthesized Happiness.

I know, I’m sooo going to get one of those kids because of that previous statement, but that’s beside the point. The point is why take the time to explain this statement?

The reason is simple. I can see myself using the term “synthesized happiness” a lot in future arguments; particularly because it’s surprising how much of the “issues” people have are related to it. I figured that during those times I get to use the term, I just utter these two words, and link it back to this post so that any un-initiated reader can fully grasp the concept behind the phrase.

I got the term from one of the talks I watched on TED.¹ You can watch the video at the end of this post to grasp the concept in its entirety. But for those too lazy to take a few minutes (fine, it’s half-an hour) here’s a summary:

Basically, one of the things that makes us [humans] special is the ability to “synthesize happiness” – which is the ability to manufacture happiness by convincing one’s self that we are just as happy, if not even happier, after being put in a “less than satisfactory” situation.

Again, if you’re having trouble trying to imagine how this would apply to everyday life, look above at the scenarios I’ve given… or just watch the video.

In conclusion, it’s worth mentioning that synthesized happiness is neither good nor bad. As the video suggests, it’s just as potent, just as real as natural happiness, and we all have done it… far more times we’d like to admit.

‘Tis nothing good or bad. Only thinking makes it so.

In fact, I’d submit that if it weren’t for synthesized happiness, we’d all be manic depressive by now. But you have to admit, its kinda cool to be aware the times you’re actually doing it.